USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center Facilities Toolbox: Accessibility Tools

Operating Controls

When parts need replacing, think of accessibility. All controls must be operable without pinching, grasping, or twisting the wrist and with no more than 5 pounds of pressure to comply with accessibility guidelines. This guideline includes the microwave in the kitchenette, the water fountain, the light switches, and the doorbell, as well as the sink faucets. If accessible parts are available or can be ordered, it makes sense to keep some on hand for future routine replacements.

For instance, faucets with accessible handles tend to be special-order items that are more expensive than faucets available off the shelf at the local hardware store. If you have some accessible faucets on hand, it's easy to replace faucets that are not accessible with the accessible ones when the old ones fail.